The Beast's Mark

“Clara!.”,Came the loud yet calm voice of a lady. “Clara.” The voice came again from across the room. “Yes momma.” Answered a young pretty girl. “Come over here my sweet little girl.” Her mother said in a playful way. “Hey!,mum I'm 18. I'm no longer a little girl,you should treat me like an adult now.” Clara muttered as her eyes widened. “Oh really,but you're still my sweet little girl Clara, and you would always be that sweet little girl to me.” Her mother said mockingly. Clara takes slow steps towards the sofa as she falls her back into sofa sinking her body into it without a care in the world.”sighs.” “What's wrong my sweet child?.” Her mother asks whilst slowly moving towards Clara. Clara shows elegance carrying herself up to sit up right.”mum I'm scared.” Clara said as her eyes and hands trembled whilst looking down. “I don't want to lose you like uncle Arja.” “Oh! Come on Clara, you are not going to lose me. I'm here with you for……ever.” Her mother said with a trembling voice and a fixed smile. She was sobbing with heaving rage, gasping, sucking breaths. She shook, her body trembling with fear and doubt. Her mother knelt beside her, hugging the small body gently. Clara sobbed until she finally began to calm down, her breath evened out and the tension in her muscles started to relent. Wrapped up in each others arms, huddled together, their warm embrace said so much in silence, of support and of love, an unspoken vow that they would take on the world together. “I want you to know that no matter what,I will always stand by your side.” Clara's mother muttered. Her face softened and she took a deep breath, collecting herself. Clara stared at her mother with wide eyes, her face seeking explanation. Her mom let down the arms and said, "Clara," gently. She touched Clara's hair, gently. "I want to tell you something," her mother muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, Mom, what is it?" Clara asked, her eyes filled with concern. Her mother hesitated, looking for the right words. "I want you to know... uh, I want you to know that I love you very much." Her voice trembled with emotions. A huge smile lit up Clara's face, showcasing her beautiful teeth. "I love you too, Mom," she murmured, embracing her mother tightly. As they held each other, a few drops of tears fell from Clara's eyes onto her mother's shirt, turning that spot into a shade of blue. “Hey! sweetie,don't do that wipe those tears. You know I don't like seeing you cry, you don't want me to get upset now do you?” Her mother muttered. Clara reaches into her pocket, taking out a piece of cloth, slowly damping it on her cheeks.” No mum.”. “Your tears are too precious to be wasted. Don't waste them for anyone, you look too pretty for that.” Her mother said. “Thank you mum.” Clara then pulled back slightly and began removing her wristwatch.” Even with this mark on my wrist I still look pretty?.” “Yes sweetheart,don't forget not to ever take that watch off. Always remember the enemy will come after you if you lose it ,just like when they came after your uncle.” Her mother murmured. “Sure I would always keep it on,I promise,” Clara said. Her mother's eyes widened with a slight smile,” your dad would be proud of you.” “I hope he is.” Clara said, gazing at her mother. Her mother stands up stretching her skirt. “Now don't forget tomorrow is your big day at your high school. I need you to be in your best behaviour and don't forget the rules. Make sure you come home after school. never take your wristwatch off and ….” "Never fight in school, I get it!" Clara's eyes narrowed down, her cheeks flushed with displeasure as she tightened her fists. Her voice trembled slightly."This isn't the first time you're telling me this," she muttered, her words carrying the weight of her frustration. “Fine,I'll go and freshen up and head to the kitchen,you do your thing.” Okay?. Her mother muttered. “Yes mum.” Clara said as she stands and leaves the room. Clara's mum walks out of the room, her blooming self disappeared into her room as the sound of her feet in the hallway. The sound of running water filled the silence as she switched on the shower Her phone buzzed within seconds of her sitting down. She looked at the screen, a little afraid, then answered. "Do you have her?" On the other side, the voice asked tensed and in a hurry. "Um, I actually do," her mother answered on a tone that was as solid as she was firm.